Yaacov Lappin on joint American - Israeli air defense production

On Tue, Jul 21, 2026 Dr. Aaron Lerner wrote:

Hi Yaacov Lappin,

I read your comprehensive report with great interest.
https://israel-alma.org/blue-and-white-arms-tracking-israels-long-term-production-and-import-programs

You write:

“In the air defense arena, the multi-year contract signed on November 20, 2025 with Rafael to expand Iron Dome production included a U.S. component (for all Israeli air defense capabilities) worth approximately $5.2 billion (NIS 15.6 billion) that was allocated for procurement.

…In November 2025, R2S (a joint venture of Raytheon and Rafael) opened a new manufacturing facility in East Camden, Arkansas, to produce Tamir interceptors for the Iron Dome system…”

Is it fair to say that the efficacy of these moves hinge on political developments in the United States?

Would you recommend that Israeli programmers take into account the possibility that developments in the United States lead to these American-made components not reaching Israel?

Best regards,
Aaron Lerner - IMRA
PS: If ok with you I would like to quote your reply.


From: Yaakov Lappin
Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
To: Dr. Aaron Lerner
Subject: Re: Question about "Israel shift to growing arms independence"

Hi Aaron,

Many thanks for your kind feedback.

It is fair to say that joint American - Israeli air defense production is dependent on political developments in the United States, but not only. I'd add that vested economic and security interests are also involved. Raytheon has clear financial interests in this partnership, for example, and the U.S. Marines who receive the Sky Hunter interceptors (the Raytheon version of the Tamir interceptor) benefit significantly in the battle space. Feel free to quote my reply.

Best regards,

Yaakov
Yaakov Lappin
Military and strategic affairs analyst

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IMRA - Independent Media Review and Analysis

Since 1992 providing news and analysis on the Middle East with a focus on Arab-Israeli relations

Website: www.imra.org.il